Fresh air fills the lungs as shaky knees propel you forward. Forest debris crunches under heavy feet weighed down by a comforting backpack. Shoulders scrape roughly along boulders covered in a vivid green moss. Climbing onto the peak and gazing over the edge. You’re on top of the world. At least that’s how it feels as birds circle below, chirping about their daily business…

Hiking inspires a sense of solace, accomplishment and freedom. It expels happy endorphins and lowers stress levels. That’s a fact! And at this specific time in our lives, hiking couldn’t be more important.

We have all experienced the effects of COVID-19 in one way or another. Some have lost their job, others have become completely over-worked. And we have all had to limit our time outside, doing the things we love. 

We’ve all become confused and confined at one point or another. The sensation of being a grounded child again is strong.

But the light at the end of the tunnel is growing at a rapid pace. Restrictions are easing and the world is beginning to carry on. It’s time to emerge back into the world with bright new eyes and bushy tails raring to go. 

So why should hiking be at the top of your list?

I’m so glad you asked…

1. Hiking Complies With Social Distancing

Keeping up with the current times, social distancing is the perfect place to start.

We’ve been stuck in our homes or neighbourhood for two months or so. With restrictions easing, plans for outings a little further afield can begin. YAY! Yet social distancing is still highly recommended. And what better way to obey these sound rules/guidelines than to take a hike?

There’s no shortage of space in the wide open outdoors. Just you, a couple of friendly – some not so friendly – animals, and the occasional happy hiker. 

2. Hiking Makes You Happy

There’s a reason they call endorphins ‘happy endorphins’. These little helpers activate opioid receptors – a natural substance similar to morphine – in the brain. This helps to minimise discomfort, bringing about feelings of euphoria and general well-being. 

And the best way to activate these happy little endorphins? Exercise. To be more exact, vigorous exercise outside in fresh air.

A number of small studies have shown that spending time in nature can even ease one’s stress levels. While not a fact as such, that’s enough to get my boots on and butt out the door.

3. Hiking Reveals The Good in People

Camaraderie is strong between hikers. Could this be something to do with the happy endorphins swirling around?

It’s a given that almost every passerby will greet you with a friendly hello or give words of encouragement. 

With negativity controlling the majority of social media and our minds, a hike among fellow adventurers expresses the positivity that continues to shine through. 

Everybody is equal in the outdoors. Leaving the pressures of everyday life behind with the negativity.

4. Hiking is The Perfect Challenge for Fitness

Who doesn’t want to live longer? Get fitter? 

Forget the gym. Inside with no natural light and sweaty bodies dominating the tainted oxygen… No thank-you.

Hiking offers a full body workout. Don’t scoff until you’ve tried climbing to the peak of an untamed mountain, through a rain slicked heap of boulders and crevices. Embrace that with unrivalled scenery – courtesy of Mother Nature – and you’ve got yourself an adventure.

And fun fact?! Hiking increases energy levels. Yep, you heard right. Gone are the false ideas that exercise makes you tired and lethargic. After a hike, I am ready to conquer the world. Albeit a tad slower if it’s been a challenging adventure and the snack game was real.

5. Hiking Provides Incredible Views

Hiking can be uncomfortable… to put it lightly. On more than one occasion we have been stuck in a rain storm or worse. But they’re the unforgettable days that make the entertaining stories. The highest feelings of accomplishment come from the times of serious struggle.

Yet once the tree line recedes, the incredible view of monstrous mountains – overflowing with alpine tarns and snaking rivers – creates a satisfaction deep within.

The insignificant feeling only nature can bring encompasses you. You’ve found solace.

6. Experience Solace

Freedom.

Sitting atop a mountain, with no one else in sight, feeling so tiny and humble. Worries slip away, becoming minuscule compared to the big picture of life. 

Hiking and immersing yourself in nature – so far that you cannot hear any unnatural sounds – is the only way to get a complete hold of what is important and what is not. 

The type of hiking I am referring to in this post is singletracks. Tracks where there is no other way in than on foot. No access by any form of vehicle or bike – sad, I know – but that is another aspect of hiking that truly grabs one’s attention. There is no other way to see these incredible sights and you may be part of a select few that actually do.

This is special. This is disconnection.

7. Disconnect From The Social World

The best part about going for a hike in nature? More often than not, there’s no reception.

We spend far too much time on others or consuming social media. While this isn’t a bad thing, at times we need to reset. To be selfish.

Hiking is the perfect excuse to leave an email unread for a couple of hours. To remove yourself from the pressures of modern life. To be free.

8. Hiking Is Free… Kind Of

What in life is ACTUALLY free? 

Taking a hike comes quite close. Aside from a potential National Park fee, all that’s needed to get started is a pair of good shoes and a water bottle.

9. Hiking Doesn’t Discriminate

There’s no age limit for hiking. All that changes is the creak in the knees and the time taken to get from point A to point B. 

Taking it slow may not be a bad thing either. Have you heard the saying “Stop and smell the roses”?

Many coastal and small forest walks are wheelchair accessible, giving no reason not to become immersed in nature. 

10. You Can Hike Anywhere

Hiking is one of the only sports that doesn’t need a whole heap of previous planning… Unless you’re attempting an overnight or multi-day hike. You could get into quite a pickle if you didn’t pack a tent – or the right tent for that matter… 

Trust me, squeezing two people into a one-man expedition tent is not fun.

However, there’s is no real equipment needed to lug around with you while travelling. If you happen to find an enticing hike, there’s nothing holding you back.

Pre-planning is not our strong suit so this point resonates extremely well with us.

11. The Snack Game is Real

I’ve left the best point to last…

The snacks.

Let’s be real, nothing beats food. And what’s better than a well deserved meal at the end of a hike? 

The continuous snacking of course. No need to feel guilty for downing all those lollies and nuts and chocolate. You’re burning while your munching and completely forgetting about those tired legs.

As always, safety is important and we recommend telling someone when you go into the wild and wonderful outdoors.

Once your government allows a stroll in the woods, grab those shoes and get out there! For an even more adventurous hike, try out speed hiking! Travel Made Me Do It has all you need to know to get into this exciting way of hiking.

We would love to hear about your favourite hiking experiences in the comments below.